In a move to streamline its supply chain and support its future growth plans, WHSmith has announced the appointment of GXO as its new outsourced UK logistics partner. The travel retailer, which operates over 1,100 stores across the UK, has credited its travel business for a 28% rise in group revenues in September 2023.

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According to WHSmith's supply chain director, Sean Feeney, the company's growth is accelerating and they need a supply chain that can match this pace and support their future plans. This led to the decision to appoint GXO as their UK logistics provider, with the aim of creating a modern and efficient supply chain that delivers for their UK businesses and customers.

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All 440 colleagues currently working in WHSmith's three UK distribution centres, located in Swindon, Birmingham, and Dunstable, will transfer to GXO via the TUPE process. This ensures that their jobs are protected and they will continue to work in the same locations under the new logistics partner.

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In addition to the distribution centres, WHSmith has also awarded its transport operations to GXO, starting from February 2024. This will involve GXO optimizing the transport planning for WHSmith's core distribution network and utilizing its shared-user transport capabilities to provide full coverage for stores across the UK.

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Gavin Williams, managing director for UK and Ireland at GXO, expressed his excitement about partnering with WHSmith to deliver end-to-end supply chain management as part of its network modernization. With GXO's extensive retail warehousing and transportation expertise, as well as their commitment to continuous improvement through technology, they are well-positioned to support WHSmith's growth plans.

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This move by WHSmith is part of their ongoing efforts to improve their supply chain and drive efficiency. In recent years, the company has invested in new technology and systems to enhance their supply chain operations, and this partnership with GXO is another step towards achieving their goals.

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Overall, this partnership between WHSmith and GXO is a strategic move that will not only improve the efficiency of WHSmith's supply chain but also support their future growth plans. With the transfer of the distribution centres and transport operations to GXO, WHSmith is well-positioned to continue its success in the travel retail industry.

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Sources: https://internetretailing.net/whsmith-appoints-gxo-as-uk-logistics-partner/